Comparison
6 min
Metal Deck vs Zinc Roof — Roofing Malaysia Guide
Choosing between metal deck and zinc roof? Read our complete comparison in terms of price, durability, and suitability.
Metal Deck vs Zinc Roof: The Full Comparison
Both roofing types are popular in Malaysia. Zinc roofing has long been the choice for kampung houses, terrace homes and sheds. Metal deck roofing is increasingly used for modern homes, factories and commercial buildings. But which one is more suitable for your home or building?
In this article we compare metal deck vs zinc in terms of price, lifespan, noise, heat and installation. All figures are market estimates — the actual price depends on your roof size, material thickness and location.
Getting to Know Regular Zinc Roofing
Zinc roof sheets are lightweight galvanised metal sheets that are cheap and easy to source. Almost any hardware shop stocks them, and most handymen can install them.
**Advantages:**
Cheaper price (RM15-20 per square foot)
Lightweight and easy to install
Widely available everywhere
Suitable for temporary structures, sheds and small extensions
**Disadvantages:**
Prone to rust — lifespan of only around 10-15 years
Noisy during heavy rain
Heats up quickly and usually needs additional roof insulation
Plain appearance, less suited to modern homes
Zinc roofs are also sensitive to how the screws are installed. Loose roofing screws or worn rubber washers are among the most common causes of a leaking roof.
Getting to Know Metal Deck
A metal deck roof is a profiled steel sheet with a special protective coating. The profile is deeper, so the sheet is stiffer and can span long distances without extra support.
**Advantages:**
Very durable — 25-40 years
Rust-resistant thanks to the special coating
Neat, modern appearance
Can span long distances without support
Some options come with built-in insulation
**Disadvantages:**
Higher price (RM25-35 per square foot)
Needs an experienced contractor for proper installation
Heavier than regular zinc, so the trusses must be checked first
Metal Deck vs Zinc Comparison Table
Criteria
Zinc Roof
Metal Deck
Notes
|---|---|---|---|
Material price
RM15-20/sqft
RM25-35/sqft
Depends on thickness & coating
Lifespan
10-15 years
25-40 years
With good maintenance
Rust resistance
Moderate
Very good
Special coating on metal deck
Rain noise
Noisy
Quieter
Insulation reduces it further
Appearance
Plain
Modern & neat
Wider colour options
Installation
Easy
Needs specialist
Trusses must be checked
Insulation
Needs add-on
Options with built-in insulation
Insulation around RM5/sqft
The Real Cost Comparison
In Malaysia, metal deck roofing costs around RM25-35 per square foot, while zinc roof sheets cost around RM15-20. That looks like a big gap, but work it out against the lifespan:
Zinc roof — cheaper upfront, but may need replacing after 10-15 years
Metal deck — more expensive upfront, but lasts 25-40 years without replacement
That means over a 30-year period you might replace a zinc roof twice, while the metal deck is still in good shape. For a terrace house, a full roof replacement typically falls in the RM3,000-8,000 range depending on house size and material chosen. Minor repair work starts from RM150.
Don't forget the side costs. If you choose zinc, you may need to add roof insulation (around RM5 per square foot) to cut down heat and rain noise.
Noise and Heat Factors
Many homeowners complain that a zinc roof is noisy during heavy rain. That's because zinc sheets are thin and vibrate easily. Metal deck is thicker and its profile is more rigid, so rain noise is much lower.
As for heat, both are metal — meaning both get hot without insulation. The difference is that some metal deck options come with an insulation layer already attached under the sheet. For a zinc roof, roof insulation has to be installed separately. With proper insulation, both roof types can be comfortable to live under.
Steps to Convert an Old Zinc Roof to Metal Deck
This is the typical workflow of an experienced roofing contractor:
Truss inspection — metal deck is heavier, so the roof frame is checked first to confirm it is still sound or needs strengthening
Measure and quote — the roof area is measured in square feet to calculate material and labour costs
Remove the old roof — the old zinc sheets are taken down and disposed of safely
Install the new sheets — the metal deck is fixed with the correct screws and washers, following the proper overlap direction
Flashing and ridge — the edges, roof ridge and wall junctions are finished so they don't leak
Final check — a water test and inspection of every screw line before handover
Avoid DIY installation. Small mistakes like reversed overlaps or over-tightened screws can cause a leaking roof within just a few months.
Maintenance Tips for Both Types
Check the screws yearly — loose screws are the most common cause of leaks on both zinc and metal deck roofs
Clear leaves and debris — piled-up leaves trap water and speed up rusting
Repaint when needed — a proper roof coating (around RM8 per square foot) protects the surface and extends the lifespan, especially for zinc
Watch for early rust spots — small rust patches can be treated before they spread across the sheet
When Should You Call a Contractor?
Call a roofing contractor if you notice these signs:
Water marks or yellow stains on the ceiling
Rust spreading beyond one or two small spots
Roof sheets shifting or making loud noises in strong wind
The roof has passed its usual lifespan (10-15 years for zinc)
A contractor like AtapPro — with 15+ years of experience covering 16 states — can assess whether your roof just needs a repair, or whether it's worth converting straight to metal deck. Major work typically comes with a 5-year warranty.
Conclusion: Which Should You Choose?
**Choose a Zinc Roof** if the budget is tight and for temporary structures or small extensions
**Choose Metal Deck** if you want a durable, neat roof for a main building
There is no wrong answer in the metal deck vs zinc comparison — what matters is matching the material to your budget, how long you plan to stay, and the type of building. If you're still unsure, have a contractor do an on-site inspection before making the final decision.
Need Help From a Roofing Expert?
AtapPro is ready to help. WhatsApp us for a FREE quotation — we respond within 30 minutes.
WhatsApp AtapPro NowFAQ — Metal Deck vs Zinc Roof — Roofing Malaysia Guide
Can I replace my old zinc roof with metal deck without changing the trusses?
Usually yes, but the trusses must be inspected first. Metal deck is heavier than regular zinc, so the roofing contractor will confirm the frame is still sound or needs reinforcement. If the trusses are in good condition, the replacement is faster and cheaper.
Is metal deck hotter or cooler than a zinc roof?
Both are metal, so without insulation both get hot. The difference is that some metal deck options come with built-in insulation under the sheet, while a zinc roof usually needs additional heat insulation at around RM5 per square foot. With proper insulation, both roof types can be comfortable.
How much does it cost to convert a zinc roof to metal deck for a terrace house?
A full roof replacement for a terrace house typically falls in the RM3,000-8,000 range depending on house size and material chosen. Metal deck material itself is around RM25-35 per square foot. An exact quote can only be given after the roof area is measured on site.
Is metal deck suitable for residential homes or only for factories?
Metal deck suits both. It is popular for factories because it can span long distances, but its neat appearance and 25-40 year lifespan make it a good choice for modern homes too. For residential use, pick a profile and colour that matches your home's design.